Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or Pat Freiermuth

Saturday, October 11, 6:28 AM

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller has been extremely productive since returning from his hip injury two weeks ago, and he'll be a solid starting option in Week 6 against the Chargers. Waller retired and did not play last year, and was sidelined by a hip issue for the first three weeks of 2025. He returned in Week 4 with two touchdowns and 27 yards against the Jets, and he built on that last week by hauling in all five of his targets for 78 yards and a third touchdown. His snap count doubled from 16 in Week 4 to 32 in Week 5, and he was a key contributor even at just a 58% snap share. If that number grows again this week, he should continue to progress and remain one of the focuses of the Dolphins' offense, which is now operating without Tyreek Hill (knee), leaving targets available from Tua Tagovailoa. Tua has looked Waller's way often and had great success, so Waller is the TE8 this week in RotoBaller's rankings and can be a very solid starter in standard-sized leagues.

Saturday, October 11, 12:20 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been underwhelming in his fifth professional season and will look to turn things around against the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. With wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) sidelined this week, quarterback Aaron Rodgers could target his tight ends more frequently, but it's difficult to predict who will benefit most at the position. Though Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith were expected to be featured in the offense early on, it was Darnell Washington who led the group in snaps in Week 4. Given Cleveland's strong defensive front, the big-bodied Washington could be in line for more opportunities on Sunday, further limiting Freiermuth's fantasy output. Fantasy managers should steer clear of Pittsburgh's tight ends this week, leaving Freiermuth on the waiver wire in most formats.